How Much Does Netflix Cost?

Reader Question: I have the DVD delivery part of Netflix now, how much would it be to just get the streaming?

Answer: Good question. Netflix’s pricing can be confusing, which largely has to do with their changing business model. They started as a DVD delivery service that let you rent DVDs and return them via the mail without any late fees. Now they are primarily an online video streaming service that allows you to watch shows via the Internet. So how much does Netflix cost monthly? Here’s a quick breakdown:

How Much Does Netflix Cost for Each Service?

Streaming only: This is the service that Netflix is now promoting the most. It is $7.99/month and very easy to sign up for. You can even get a 1 month free trial if you sign up here. [Updated] Nextflix is also testing some new streaming plans to certain users that can help them stream more than one show at a time. If you only stream one show at a time, the streaming price would be $6.99. If you want to be able to stream two shows at a time, it’s the standard $7.99. And if you want to stream three shows at a time, the price would be $9.99. Netflix is still testing this pricing structure, so the standard pricing hasn’t changed yet.

Alternatively, if you sign up for Amazon Prime, which is $99 for the year, you can get much of the same content to stream for free, as well as the option of renting and buying movie and TV shows, in addition to other Prime benefits like free 2-day shipping. You can also stream through the new Amazon Fire TV, which will allow you to stream Netflix as well. You can get a free trial of Amazon Prime here.

DVD only: Netflix is actually very secretive about the fact that you can still order just their DVD service. Their main website only promotes either streaming or streaming and DVD delivery combined. But if you go to DVD.com, you can actually order just the DVD service. The DVD only service is also $7.99/month, and will deliver your selected DVDs within one business day. Once you are done with them, you can send them back and get the next DVDs that you selected.

DVD Delivery + Streaming: If you already have the DVD delivery service from Netflix’s past, you pay $7.99/month for the service, depending on how many DVDs you receive each time. If you want to add the streaming service, you can add it for the same price, $7.99, which will bring your total to $15.98. Why have both? The DVD delivery service actually has a lot of titles that the streaming service does not have, so you get more of a choice if you order both.

No matter which pricing model you choose, you can sign up for 1 month free trial for Netflix to check it out and see how you like it. Sign up for your free trial here.